By Molly Lewis
In my previous antiarrhythmic post, I gave you two mnemonics to help you remember the mechanisms of action of each of the antiarrhythmic classes.
Now, while I still can’t spell the word “antiarrhythmic” (yay for spell check!), let’s see if I can help you remember the subclasses of the type I agents!
(Also, be sure to check out First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, too, for more mnemonics for the antiarrhythmics!).
The class I antiarrhythmics are frustrating because their names sound so similar! “-amide”, “-idine”, “-ocaine”, “-etine”, “-ainide” – not much help there in remembering which drugs belong to which class!
So, try these mnemonics:
(PS: there are more agents than the ones I’ve listed here, but I’m only including the ones that are more often used and more likely to be tested).
Now, next time you see a list of answer choices including a long list of these oh-so-similar sounding drugs, you will know which is which! (and maybe get a quick brain vacation while thinking about that delicious lunch you have planned for after the test!).
Do you have a mnemonic for the class I antiarrhythmics subclasses? Post it below!
Bibliography
- Rx Bricks: Class I, II, III, and IV Drugs
- Burger and fries mnemonics: http://www.urch.com/forums/fpgee/105947-mnemonics-help-remember-antiarrhythmics.html